NFL Week 7 Grades: Stunning Comebacks, Blowouts, and Standout Performances
Week 7 of the NFL season did not disappoint, with thrilling finishes, surprising blowouts, and some standout performances that left fans on the edge of their seats. From Saquon Barkley's big game against his former team to Russell Wilson's impressive debut with the Steelers, this week delivered plenty of drama and excitement. Some teams found their footing, while others continued to stumble, but one thing is clear: every game in the NFL has the potential to turn a season around. Let's dive into the action and see how each matchup played out.
Denver Broncos 33-10 over New Orleans Saints
Broncos: A
Sean Payton’s return to New Orleans was a success. The Broncos leaned on Javonte Williams, who ran for two touchdowns, and the defense did the rest. Denver looks like they’re starting to put things together, and this was a big win to build on.
Saints: D
The Saints were simply outmatched. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler was under pressure all day and couldn’t get the offense going. Injuries have really taken their toll on New Orleans, and it’s starting to show. They’ll need to find a way to get healthy and get back on track.
Indianapolis Colts 16-10 over Miami Dolphins
Dolphins: C-
Miami had their chances to win but couldn’t capitalize. Two fumbles in the third quarter and a missed field goal late in the game cost them dearly. The Dolphins' run game was strong, racking up 188 yards, but with key injuries and mistakes, they couldn’t finish the job.
Colts: C
The Colts’ defense came up big, forcing turnovers and setting up short-field scoring drives. Anthony Richardson wasn’t at his best, but he made the plays when they mattered most. The Colts aren’t blowing teams out, but they’re finding ways to win, and that’s all that counts.
Jacksonville Jaguars 32-16 over New England Patriots (in London)
Patriots: C-
The Patriots' issues continued in London, where their defense just couldn’t stop Jacksonville’s ground game. The Jaguars ran all over them, piling up 171 rushing yards, with Tank Bigsby racking up 118 and two touchdowns. Rookie QB Drake Maye was one of the few bright spots, throwing for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He’s still showing promise, but he’s not getting much help from his offensive line or the run game. It’s a tough situation, but for New England fans, Maye’s development is all that matters right now.
Jaguars: A-
The Jaguars took full control after a slow start, using their week in London to work out some early-season kinks. With a solid ground attack and Trevor Lawrence playing efficiently, Jacksonville dominated the game. Bigsby had a standout day, and even the special teams got in on the action with a 96-yard punt return touchdown. The Jags look like the team everyone expected when the season started, and with Doug Pederson’s game plan working wonders, they seem poised for a playoff run.
Pittsburgh Steelers 37-15 over New York Jets
Jets: D
The Jets just couldn’t catch a break. Their defense got shredded by a QB (Russell Wilson) who hadn’t started a game in nearly a year, and Aaron Rodgers threw two costly interceptions. With Davante Adams now in the fold, they were hoping for more, but the offense was a no-show in the second half. At 2-5, New York’s season is hanging by a thread, and they need to figure things out fast.
Steelers: A
Mike Tomlin’s decision to start Russell Wilson is looking pretty smart right now. Wilson wasn’t spectacular to start, but he found his groove, throwing for 264 yards and completing several deep passes. He opened things up for Najee Harris, who had a big game on the ground. The Steelers' defense did its job, turning Rodgers’ mistakes into points. At 5-2, Pittsburgh is looking like a real contender in the AFC.
Seattle Seahawks 34-14 over Atlanta Falcons
Seahawks: A
The Seahawks finally snapped their losing streak with a dominating defensive performance. Derick Hall’s 64-yard fumble return for a touchdown was the highlight, and the defense made life miserable for Kirk Cousins, forcing multiple turnovers. Kenneth Walker III and DK Metcalf also showed up big. After losing three straight, this was the kind of win that could get Seattle back on track.
Falcons: D-
This was not Kirk Cousins' finest moment. Three turnovers in the fourth quarter spelled disaster, and even though Bijan Robinson had a strong game, it wasn’t enough. The Falcons have the talent, but Cousins’ mistakes made it impossible to keep up with Seattle. They’ll need to fix that if they want to stay competitive.
Buffalo Bills 34-10 over Tennessee Titans
Titans: D
Tennessee’s coaching decisions left everyone scratching their heads. Going for it on fourth-and-2 deep in their own territory in the second half gave Buffalo all the momentum. Rookie QB Mason Rudolph struggled, and without Will Levis, the Titans’ offense looked stuck in neutral. They’ve now dropped to 2-5, and it’s starting to look bleak.
Bills: A-
Buffalo didn’t exactly start hot, but once they woke up, they ran away with the game. Josh Allen turned things around after a rough first half, finishing with 258 yards and two touchdowns. Amari Cooper made his debut for the Bills with a solid performance, and Buffalo’s offense spread the ball around. Once they got rolling, Tennessee had no chance.
Cincinnati Bengals 21-14 over Cleveland Browns
Bengals: B-
Cincinnati’s defense took care of business for the second straight week, with Sam Hubbard making big plays, including a sack and an interception. Joe Burrow and the offense weren’t great early on, but they did just enough to get the win. After a rocky start to the season, the Bengals are back in the hunt at 3-4.
Browns: C-
It’s the same old story for Cleveland: the offense can’t get it going. Deshaun Watson left with an injury, and backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson struggled to move the ball. The defense did its job, but missed opportunities and two missed field goals from Dustin Hopkins sunk their chances. Things just keep going from bad to worse for the Browns.
Green Bay Packers 24-22 over Houston Texans
Texans: C
Without Nico Collins, Houston’s passing game was a mess. C.J. Stroud had one of his roughest days, throwing for just 86 yards and getting sacked four times. Joe Mixon did his best to keep the Texans in it, running for 115 yards and two touchdowns, but turnovers and pressure on Stroud kept them from finishing the job.
Packers: B
The Packers did their best to hand this game away with three turnovers, but Jordan Love redeemed himself with a late-game drive, setting up Brandon McManus’ game-winning field goal. Love threw two picks but made up for it when it counted. The Packers defense also deserves credit for sacking Stroud four times and keeping Houston in check.
Philadelphia Eagles 28-3 over New York Giants
Eagles: A
This was the Saquon Barkley show. In his first game against his old team, Barkley ran for 176 yards and a touchdown, leading the Eagles’ ground attack. The defense was just as impressive, sacking Daniel Jones eight times and holding the Giants to only 119 yards of offense. The Eagles look like the most complete team in the league right now.
Giants: F
It’s hard to imagine things getting worse for the Giants, but this might have been their worst performance yet. The offensive line was overrun, Jones was sacked eight times, and they mustered just 119 total yards. To make matters worse, they got steamrolled by their former star, Barkley. The Giants' season is spiraling out of control.
Detroit Lions 31-29 over Minnesota Vikings
Lions: B+
Jared Goff is playing at an MVP level, completing 22 of 25 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs also had a breakout game, rushing for 116 yards and two scores. Despite some defensive hiccups, the Lions found a way to win, and they’re now firmly in control of the NFC North.
Vikings: B
Minnesota played well and even took a late 29-28 lead, but they couldn’t close it out. Sam Darnold had a solid game, but two late interceptions were costly. This loss stings, but the Vikings are still a force to be reckoned with in the NFC North, and they’ll likely be in the thick of things down the stretch.
Kansas City Chiefs 28-18 over San Francisco 49ers
49ers: C-
Brock Purdy had a rough outing, throwing three interceptions as the 49ers couldn’t get much going on offense without Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Even though the defense held Patrick Mahomes in check, San Francisco couldn’t stop Kansas City’s run game, and now they’ve dropped to 3-4 in what’s turning into a tough season.
Chiefs: B
Mahomes didn’t have his best game, but Kansas City still found a way to win thanks to Kareem Hunt’s strong performance on the ground and three big interceptions from the defense. The Chiefs are still undefeated and looking like strong candidates to make another Super Bowl run.
Los Angeles Rams 20-15 over Las Vegas Raiders
Rams: B-
The Rams leaned on their defense, and it paid off big time. Kamren Curl’s fumble return for a touchdown and Jaylen McCollough’s two interceptions helped seal the win. The offense wasn’t great, but the defense stepped up when it mattered. With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua set to return soon, the Rams are hoping to keep their momentum going.
Raiders: B-
Gardner Minshew returned due to an injury to Aidan O’Connell, but he had a rough day, turning the ball over four times. Those turnovers accounted for all of the Rams' points. Despite Daniel Carlson’s five field goals, the Raiders couldn’t overcome the mistakes, and now they’ve lost three straight.
Washington Commanders 40-7 over Carolina Panthers
Commanders: A+
Washington was firing on all cylinders. After Jayden Daniels went down early, Marcus Mariota came in and didn’t miss a beat, throwing for 205 yards and two touchdowns. The defense dominated, with Dante Fowler Jr. adding a pick-six. The Commanders are playing like one of the best teams in the NFC East and show no signs of slowing down.
Panthers: F
This was rock bottom for Carolina. Their offense was non-existent, and their defense couldn’t stop the Commanders. Andy Dalton struggled all game, and nothing seemed to go right. At this point, the Panthers look like the worst team in the NFL.
As Week 7 comes to a close, the NFL landscape continues to shift with each passing game. Some teams are starting to hit their stride, while others are facing mounting challenges. With standout performances, game-changing moments, and a few surprises along the way, this week reminded us why football remains as unpredictable as ever. As we look ahead, teams will either build on their momentum or scramble to make adjustments. One thing’s for sure—there’s plenty more excitement to come in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned!
